Garifuna Settlement Day (Observed) in Belize
Garifuna Settlement Day is a holiday in Belize. Garifuna Settlement Day is called Garifuna Settlement Day (Observed) in Belize
When is Garifuna Settlement Day in Belize
Garifuna Settlement Day is celebrated on 20, November, 2023 in Belize.
About Garifuna Settlement Day (Observed) in Belize
Garifuna Settlement Day is a significant holiday in Belize that is observed annually on November 19th. It commemorates the arrival of the Garifuna people, an Afro-indigenous community, to the country’s shores.
The Garifuna people have a unique history that dates back to the 17th century. They are descendants of West African slaves who were shipwrecked near the Caribbean island of St. Vincent. Over time, they intermarried with the indigenous Carib and Arawak people, forming a distinct cultural group known as the Garifuna.
In the late 18th century, the Garifuna resisted British colonization attempts on St. Vincent, but ultimately faced defeat. In 1797, around 5,000 Garifuna were forcibly exiled by the British and deported to the coast of Central America, specifically Belize, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.
The celebration of Garifuna Settlement Day in Belize is a way to honor and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Garifuna people. It is a public holiday, allowing Belizeans to reflect on the struggles, resilience, and contributions of the Garifuna community.
The holiday is marked by various activities and events throughout Belize, particularly in the southern coastal regions where the majority of the Garifuna population resides. The celebrations typically include vibrant parades, traditional drumming, dancing, singing, and storytelling.
One of the main highlights of Garifuna Settlement Day is the reenactment of the arrival of the Garifuna people on dugout canoes. This symbolic event represents their journey from St. Vincent to the shores of Belize. The canoes are beautifully decorated, and participants dress in traditional Garifuna attire.
During the celebrations, traditional Garifuna food is also an important aspect. Dishes such as hudut (a fish and coconut-based stew), cassava bread, and darasa (a savory tamale-like dish) are prepared and shared among the community.
Garifuna Settlement Day serves as a platform to showcase the vibrant cultural expressions of the Garifuna people, including their language, music, dance, and spiritual practices. It is an opportunity for both locals and visitors to learn about and appreciate the unique heritage and contributions of the Garifuna community to Belizean society.
Overall, Garifuna Settlement Day is a joyous and colorful holiday that celebrates the history, culture, and resilience of the Garifuna people in Belize.
History of Garifuna Settlement Day (Observed) in Belize
Garifuna Settlement Day is a public holiday observed in Belize on November 19th each year. It commemorates the arrival of the Garifuna people in Belize and celebrates their rich cultural heritage. The holiday has deep historical roots and holds great significance for the Garifuna community in Belize.
The Garifuna people are descendants of West African slaves who were brought to the Caribbean island of St. Vincent by the British in the 18th century. Over time, the African slaves intermarried with the indigenous Carib and Arawak people, creating a distinct cultural group known as the Garifuna.
In 1796, after years of resistance against British colonial rule, the Garifuna people were forcibly exiled from St. Vincent by the British. They were deported to the island of Roatán, off the coast of present-day Honduras. From there, they began to disperse to various locations along the Caribbean coast of Central America, including Belize.
The first group of Garifuna people arrived in Belize on November 19, 1802. They settled in the southern coastal town of Dangriga, which remains one of the major Garifuna communities in Belize today. The arrival of the Garifuna people in Belize marked the beginning of their unique cultural presence in the country.
Garifuna Settlement Day was officially recognized as a public holiday in Belize in 1943. The holiday aims to honor the Garifuna people’s resilience, cultural heritage, and contributions to Belizean society. It is celebrated with various events and activities, including parades, drumming, dancing, traditional rituals, and the reenactment of the Garifuna people’s arrival.
The holiday serves as a reminder of the Garifuna people’s history, struggles, and triumphs. It also provides an opportunity for the Garifuna community to showcase their vibrant culture, including their music, dance, language, and cuisine. Garifuna Settlement Day has become an important cultural celebration in Belize, attracting both locals and tourists who want to experience the unique traditions and customs of the Garifuna people.
Overall, Garifuna Settlement Day in Belize is a significant holiday that honors the Garifuna people’s heritage, commemorates their arrival in the country, and celebrates their enduring cultural identity.
How is Garifuna Settlement Day celebrated in Belize
Garifuna Settlement Day is a national holiday in Belize, celebrated on November 19th each year. It commemorates the arrival of the Garifuna people in Belize in 1832 after they were exiled from the island of St. Vincent by the British.
The celebration typically begins with a reenactment of the arrival of the Garifuna people on traditional dories (small boats) along the coast. This reenactment is known as the “Yurumei” and involves participants dressed in traditional Garifuna clothing paddling from the sea to the shore.
Throughout the day, various cultural activities and events take place. These include traditional music and dance performances, drumming, storytelling, and poetry readings. The Garifuna language, music, and dance are showcased, emphasizing the rich cultural heritage of the Garifuna people.
One of the highlights of the celebration is the “Jankunu” or “John Canoe” dance. It involves dancers wearing colorful masks and costumes, representing different characters and historical figures. The Jankunu dance is accompanied by the rhythm of drums and other traditional instruments.
Traditional Garifuna food is an integral part of the celebration. Dishes such as hudut (a fish stew served with mashed plantains), cassava bread, and various seafood delicacies are prepared and shared among the community. Visitors also have the opportunity to taste and experience the unique flavors of Garifuna cuisine.
The celebration of Garifuna Settlement Day is not limited to a single day. It often extends over several days, with various events and activities taking place in Garifuna communities across the country. These celebrations provide an opportunity for the Garifuna people to showcase their culture, history, and contributions to Belizean society.
Dates
Garifuna Settlement Day will be celebrated in Belize on 2024-11-19, 2025-11-19, 2026-11-19, 2027-11-19 in the comming years.
